Adjustable Aerodynamic Panels and Assemblies and Methods of Manufacturing, Integrating, and Using the Same

To help improve performance and increase fuel efficiency, many vehicles include aerodynamic panels on their external surfaces. These panels can help direct airflow over, around, and/or under the vehicles during forward motion, and thus can help improve aerodynamic performance. However, at times, certain modifications to a vehicle may be made for performance purposes. For example, in ice and/or snow conditions, traction devices may be installed on wheels of a vehicle to help maintain traction in changing road conditions. These traction devices for practical purposes may need to be installed in proximity to certain aerodynamic structures of a vehicle. This can at times result in interference between the adjacent structures.

The field relates to aerodynamic components for vehicles.

This summary is intended to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description section of this disclosure. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In brief, and at a high level, this disclosure describes, among other things, adjustable aerodynamic panels, adjustable assemblies that include aerodynamic panels and mounting brackets, and methods of manufacturing, integrating, and using the same, e.g., in connection with different types of vehicles. The panels and assemblies described herein can impart aerodynamic properties to a vehicle while also being adjustable into different positions and/or configurations to accommodate different operating circumstances.

In embodiments, an adjustable fairing assembly is provided. The adjustable fairing assembly includes an aerodynamic panel that can be adjusted from a first position (e.g., a retracted position/configuration) to a second position (e.g., an extended position/configuration). This adjustability allows the aerodynamic panel to be positioned for greater clearance from one or more adjacent structures of the vehicle, e.g., wheels or wheel assemblies. For example, this adjustability can be used to increase clearance for a tire-traction device installed on an adjacent wheel or wheel assembly, and/or to increase clearance from other structures installed, re-positioned, and/or used in connection with a vehicle. This adjustability can help reduce, limit, and/or inhibit interference between the aerodynamic panel and the adjacent structures in certain operating circumstances.

In embodiments, an adjustable fairing assembly is provided that includes an aerodynamic panel and a mounting bracket. The assembly allows the aerodynamic panel to be attached to a vehicle, e.g., to a longitudinally-extending frame thereof. In an embodiment, the mounting bracket attaches the panel to a lateral side of the longitudinally-extending frame. The mounting bracket can include a first member that couples to the panel and a second member that couples, directly or indirectly, to the longitudinally-extending frame. The first member and the second member can be connected through a movable coupling that allows the first member and the second member to shift relative to each other (e.g., adjust between a retracted position/configuration and an extended position/configuration). This adjustability helps accommodate different operating circumstances. For example, the first position can be used when a tire-traction device is not installed on an adjacent wheel or wheel assembly, e.g., such that a smaller clearance between the panel and the wheel is suitable, and the second position can be used when a tire-traction device is installed on an adjacent wheel or wheel assembly, e.g., such that a larger clearance between the panel and the wheel is suitable.

In embodiments, different types of mounting brackets can be used to attach an aerodynamic panel to a vehicle in movable fashion. The mounting brackets can include multiple components, e.g., including those that are fixed and/or movable relative to each other. In embodiments, a mounting bracket can include members that are slidable relative to each other, e.g., translatable along a linear axis. In embodiments, a mounting bracket can include members that are rotatable/pivotal relative to each other, e.g., being rotatable about at least one axis. In embodiments, a mounting bracket can include members that are both slidable and rotatable/pivotal relative to each other, e.g., allowing for multi-axis translation/rotation. These different types of adjustments can be provided through use of sliding and/or pivoting mechanical connections. In embodiments, a mounting bracket can also include one or more locking features operable to lock or fix the relative position of the movable members. Locking features without limitation can include fasteners, e.g., pins, including cotter pins, bolts, screws, rivets, and the like, as well as clips, hook-and-loop attachments, frictionally-based attachments (e.g., that can be adjusted to increase or decrease frictional engagement between adjacent structures), male-female attachments (e.g., structures that are insertable and removable relative to each other), or other mechanical locking features, assemblies, or mechanisms in accordance with different embodiments herein. In embodiments, a movable coupling that allows the members of a mounting bracket to adjust can also be configured for reversibly locking/fixing the members of the mounting bracket in different relative positions. For example, a movable coupling that includes a pin, a slot, and stop-surfaces located at opposite ends of the slot can be used for reversibly locking/fixing components in different positions without requiring the structures to be de-coupled or disassembled, e.g., using tools.

In embodiments, a mounting bracket is configured such that one of first and second members of the mounting bracket has a slot and the other of the first and second members of the mounting bracket has a pin that engages with and slides along the slot, thereby allowing for movement of the first and second members relative to each other. In embodiments, the slot includes a curved and/or arcuate portion that can support the pin, thereby allowing an attached panel to be held in a fixed position without additional locking structures or manual support. In embodiments, a biasing member, e.g., a coil spring or a leaf spring, may be used to bias the mounting bracket and by association the panel towards a particular position (e.g., a retracted position). In such embodiments, the biasing member can be used to help hold, support, or retain the panel in desired positions.

The embodiments herein can help limit, reduce, and/or inhibit interference between panels and adjacent vehicle structures under different operating circumstances. These embodiments can also help reduce noise and degradation of components, and thus can help increase the operational life of components. These embodiments can also help increase the efficiency, speed, and ease of re-configuring a vehicle aerodynamic assembly for different operating circumstances, among other benefits.

This detailed description is provided in order to meet statutory requirements. However, this description is not intended to limit the scope of the invention described herein. Rather, the claimed subject matter may be embodied in different ways, to include different steps, different combinations of steps, different elements, and/or different combinations of elements, similar to those described in this disclosure, and in conjunction with other present or future technologies or solutions. Moreover, although the terms “step” or “block” may be used herein to identify different elements of methods employed, the terms should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between different elements except when the order is explicitly stated.

In general, and at a high level, provided herein are adjustable aerodynamic panels, adjustable assemblies including fairing assemblies with adjustable aerodynamic panels, and methods of manufacturing, integrating, and using the same, among other things. The aerodynamic panels and assemblies described herein can be used to impart aerodynamic properties to a vehicle while also being adjustable into different positions and/or configurations, thereby increasing the adaptability and benefit of such components. The ability to adjust, re-position, and/or re-configure an aerodynamic panel using the assemblies described herein can help reduce interference between components, reduce noise, wear, and degradation of structures, and reduce the complexity of modifying a vehicle assembly for particular purposes, among other benefits.

Due to ongoing fluctuations in fuel prices, changing supply and demand for fuel, and changing environmental regulations, there is an increasing focus on fuel efficiency in vehicles, and especially vehicles associated with transport of heavy cargo, such as freight trucks. To help increase fuel efficiency and performance, aerodynamic structures are often integrated into vehicles. For example, in the instance of freight trucks, aerodynamic features such as hoods, cones, fins, slanted surfaces, panels, fairings, and the like can be introduced to facilitate increased aerodynamic performance. These structures help reduce turbulent airflow and/or airflow encountering a significant change in direction, both of which can reduce aerodynamic performance and thus decrease fuel efficiency.

Notably, one part of a freight truck that can impact aerodynamic performance (e.g., reduce aerodynamic efficiency) is wheels and wheel assemblies, e.g., due to the gaps, openings, and non-contoured geometries often associated with these components and assemblies. To improve aerodynamic performance in these areas, panels and/or fairings can be positioned in gaps located between wheels or wheel assemblies and/or adjacent to outer wheels or wheel assemblies to produce a more linear contour across these portions of the freight vehicle. These more linear contours help facilitate more laminar airflow, rather than turbulent airflow, in these areas. For example, a mid-panel or fairing can be positioned between two wheels (e.g., located on adjacent axles) forming a tandem wheel assembly, and/or an aft-panel or fairing can be positioned adjacent to a trailing wheel (e.g., located on a rear axle) to help provide a more linear contour or profile in these areas that facilitates more laminar airflow and thus increased aerodynamic efficiency in these areas.

1 20 FIGS.- In addition to increasing aerodynamic performance, freight transport often must be able to continue in all sorts of conditions, e.g., ice, snow, and other inclement weather. When traveling in these conditions, it can be helpful to install traction devices on the wheels of a freight truck. These traction devices can be chains, wires, or cables (e.g., that secure around a tire) or other forms of tire-wraps or tire-coverings that enhance traction between the tire and a road surface. These traction devices are installed externally on the tire, and thus extend outward some distance from the tire on which they are installed. Thus, when such traction devices are used, they can create interference with structures that otherwise normally have clearance from the tire, e.g., such as panels or fairings installed adjacent to a wheel or wheel assembly that are intended to improve aerodynamic performance in these areas. In addition, during forward motion of a freight vehicle, a traction device that is installed on a wheel can impact the adjacent panels or fairings due to rotation of the traction device that may even further increase its rotational profile. Thus, it is desirable to reposition or displace the panels/fairings laterally to increase the clearance between the traction device and the panels, and in addition, it is desirable to be able to displace the panels/fairings with limited additional hardware, e.g., pins, bolts or other securing structures, to thereby reduce the complexity, equipment, and time required to complete such adjustments.described further below illustrate non-limiting embodiments that can provide such benefits, among others.

1 FIG. 1 FIG. 10 10 Looking now at, a vehicleis shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In, the vehicleis a freight truck that includes multiple axles and multiple wheel assemblies. However, it should be noted that many other types of vehicles are contemplated in connection with the embodiments described herein.

10 11 12 14 12 16 12 11 18 19 20 12 14 16 12 17 10 1 FIG. 1 FIG. 1 FIG. 1 FIG. The vehicleincludes a cab, a frame, a front wheel assemblyattached to the frame, and a rear wheel assemblyattached to the frame. The cabalso includes a hood, a cab fairing, and a bumpereach having, at least in part, an aerodynamic surface. The frameis longitudinally-extending, or rather extends in a lengthwise direction that is defined as the direction extending between the front wheel assemblyshown inand the rear wheel assemblyshown in.thus looks along a lateral direction that is substantially perpendicular to the lengthwise, or longitudinally-extending, direction (the latter also being associated with the direction of a traditional drive-shaft). The frameincludes at least two longitudinally-extending rails (one railbeing shown in). These rails can extend substantially in parallel along the lengthwise direction of the vehicleand form part of a chassis thereof.

1 FIG. 1 FIG. 16 16 22 24 22 24 23 25 12 22 24 23 25 22 24 12 16 26 26 28 28 shows the rear wheel assembly. The rear wheel assemblyincludes a pair of adjacent wheels,. The wheels,are mounted on a pair of adjacent axles,attached to the frame. While not shown in, each wheel,may actually be one of multiple wheels installed on a common axle,. The wheelis positioned forward of the wheel(e.g., along the lengthwise direction of the frameas referenced above). The rear wheel assemblyincludes an adjustable aerodynamic panel/fairing(referred to herein as “panel”) and an adjustable aerodynamic panel/fairing(referred to herein as “panel”) that each have an aerodynamic surface that is outward-facing and used to direct airflow. In embodiments, aerodynamic surfaces, as referred to herein, can be flat or substantially flat, curved or substantially curved, and/or contoured or substantially contoured at least along a direction that airflow travels across the surface during operational use. In embodiments, an aerodynamic surface can have a partially convex shape or convex shape. In embodiments, an aerodynamic surface can be a partially smooth surface or smooth surface. The aforementioned aerodynamic surfaces can be shaped to reduce aerodynamic drag and help generate more laminar airflow across the surface as opposed to more turbulent airflow across the surface (as determined by the Reynolds number of the flow) during use.

1 FIG. 1 FIG. 26 22 24 10 26 22 24 22 24 10 12 Looking at, the panelis positioned between the wheeland the wheel. In this position, during forward motion of the vehicle, the panelhelps direct airflow linearly across the wheels,instead of inward between the wheels,where the airflow can become more turbulent, and therefore increase aerodynamic drag, and reduce aerodynamic performance. While not shown in, it should be noted that a similar configuration of aerodynamic panels and adjacent wheels may be present on the opposite lateral side of the vehicle(i.e., on the opposite side of the frame).

26 30 30 22 24 28 24 28 32 32 28 10 28 10 28 10 The panelhas an aerodynamic surface. The surfaceis shaped to help direct airflow across the wheels,. The panelis positioned adjacent to a trailing edge of the wheel. The panelhas an aerodynamic surface. The surfacehelps direct airflow across the paneland also helps direct airflow more linearly behind the vehicle. In this sense, the panelcan help reduce the airflow that might otherwise be diverted, e.g., due to pressure differentials and/or cross-flows, under a trailer pulled behind the vehicle. This type of airflow diversion can have a turbulent quality that increases aerodynamic drag and thus reduces aerodynamic efficiency, and thus, inhibiting it through use of the panelcan help increase the overall aerodynamic efficiency of the vehicle.

10 35 22 24 10 22 24 26 28 22 24 26 28 10 26 28 26 28 12 26 28 22 24 10 18 FIG. During operation of the vehiclein snow or ice conditions, a traction device, e.g., the tire-traction deviceshown in, can be installed on the wheels,of the vehicleto help increase traction with a road surface. Traction devices as discussed herein can include tire-chains, tire-wires, tire-cables, tire-wraps, or other components that partially or fully circumscribe a wheel to help increase traction between a tire surface and a road surface. In addition, because of the proximity of the wheels,to the panels,, traction devices installed on the wheels,that increase their circumferential profile can potentially interfere with the panels,when the vehicleis in motion. This interference can include brushing, scraping, impacting, and/or even dislodging the panels,. Thus, the ability to shift the panels,outward from the framein the lateral direction to increase clearance between the panels,and the wheels,can help reduce noise, reduce wear, and/or reduce degradation of components, among other benefits. In addition, assemblies that can do so with limited additional hardware, equipment, or tools are especially beneficial due to the reduced complexity, cost, and time required for adjusting such assemblies, e.g., when the vehicleis in use and/or in transit.

2 9 FIGS.- 1 FIG. 26 Looking now at, an assembly that allows the panelshown into be adjusted into different positions, e.g., extended and retracted positions, is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

2 FIG. 3 FIG. 2 9 FIGS.- 26 34 44 It can be seen inthat the panelis attached to a mounting bracket. In different embodiments, the mounting brackets described herein can be formed from multiple components that are assembled together such that the components are substantially fixed relative to each other (e.g., with fasteners, e.g., like the example fastenershown in), and/or that are adjustable relative to each other, e.g., such that the components are movable into different positions relative to each other in a particular range of motion as shown for example in.

34 36 26 38 40 12 40 12 42 40 42 12 42 12 2 9 FIGS.- 1 FIG. The mounting bracketshown inincludes a memberthat couples to the panel, e.g., in this instance using fasteners, and a memberthat couples to the frameshown in. The membercouples to the framethrough a connection mount. In embodiments, the memberand/or connection mountmay couple to the framedirectly, or indirectly, e.g., through additional interposed components and/or structures. The connection mountcan be attached to the framein different ways, e.g., using fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, rivets, or other types of fasteners), welding, interlocking structures, and/or using other types of mechanical attachments.

34 37 36 40 37 36 40 37 36 40 The mounting bracketincludes a movable couplingthat connects the memberand the member. In particular, the movable couplingallows the members,to shift into different positions relative to each other. In the depicted embodiment, the movable couplingis configured so that the memberand the membercan both slide and pivot/rotate relative to each other.

37 36 46 48 40 50 52 46 50 46 50 50 48 52 48 52 52 50 54 56 58 56 46 50 56 54 46 58 52 48 52 To form the movable coupling, the memberincludes a pincoupled thereto and a pincoupled thereto, and the memberincludes a slotformed therein and a slotformed therein. The pinis positioned in the slot. The pinis slidable along the slotand is also rotatable within the slot. The pinis positioned in the slot. The pinis slidable along the slotand is also rotatable within the slot. The slothas a linear portion, a curved and/or arcuate portion, and a stop-surfacelocated at an end of the curved and/or arcuate portion. This configuration allows the pinto travel along a non-linear path in the slot. The curved and/or arcuate portionis shaped such that it turns at least partially back towards the linear portion(this allows the pinto be shifted against the stop-surfaceas explained below). The slotis substantially linear in shape. This configuration allows the pinto slide along a length of the slot.

46 48 50 52 36 40 26 36 40 46 48 50 52 26 36 40 36 40 26 The ability of the pins,to move along their corresponding slots,allows the members,to change position relative to each other, and also allows the panelto be shifted linearly and rotationally between a retracted position/configuration and an extended position/configuration. This configuration also allows the components to be shifted while the members,remain movably connected. To state it differently, the configuration of the pins,and the slots,allows the panelto be shifted without de-coupling, disassembling, and/or detaching the members,from each other, e.g., through tool-based manipulation. In other words, the components can be shifted without requiring that tools be used to unfasten or unfix the members,from each other in order to render them movable. The adjustment can thus be completed in a tool-less fashion. This helps reduce the time, complexity, and tooling required to complete an adjustment of the paneland can be especially beneficial in circumstances where tools and the components themselves are not easily accessible, e.g. at a roadside.

2 4 6 FIGS.,, and 1 FIG. 2 4 6 FIGS.,, and 2 4 6 FIGS.,, and 3 FIG. 8 FIG. 60 60 34 26 42 12 10 60 26 12 60 62 60 48 36 64 60 66 40 40 60 26 60 60 60 26 26 Looking at, a biasing memberis shown. The biasing membercan be integrated with the mounting bracketto bias the panelin a particular direction, e.g., towards the connection mountand by association toward frameof the vehiclein accordance the configuration shown in. In other words, the biasing membercan bias the paneltoward the retracted position, e.g., the position closer to the frame, e.g., associated with no tire-traction device being installed on an adjacent wheel. In different embodiments, the biasing membercan be a spring, e.g., a leaf spring or a coil spring as shown in, and can also be a flexible elastic element, a piston, or another type of biasing structure.depict how an endof the biasing memberis coupled to the pinof the member, and how an endof the biasing memberis coupled to a structure(e.g., in this instance being a bolt assembly that extends through the member) on the member. The biasing memberhelps hold the panelin its retracted position and also helps lock the panel in its extended position, e.g., in the outward, deployed configuration, as discussed below. The biasing membercan be configured such that it remains under substantially constant tension in each of these positions, or, stated differently, the biasing membercan be configured such that it imparts a biasing force in each of these positions. For example, the biasing membercan be under a certain amount of tension when the panelis in its retracted position, e.g., as shown in, and can be under a different amount of tension (e.g., a greater amount of tension) when the panelis in its extended position, e.g., as shown in.

26 26 26 26 22 24 26 12 26 46 58 50 2 9 FIGS.- 2 4 FIGS.- 5 6 FIGS.and 1 FIG. 5 6 FIGS.and 7 8 FIGS.and The shifting of the paneland the movement thereof between the retracted position (e.g., the operating position that is associated with no tire-traction device being installed on an adjacent wheel) and the extended position (e.g., the operating position that is associated with a tire-traction device being installed on an adjacent wheel) will be described with reference to.depict the panelin the retracted position.depict the panelin the intermediate extended position, or rather, on its way to the extended position that provides increased clearance between the panel, or a portion thereof, and an adjacent vehicle wheel, e.g., wheeland/or wheelas shown in.show how the panelis operated, e.g., being pivoted and pulled outward from the frameto allow it to shift from the retracted position to the extended position.depict the panelin its extended and reversibly locked or fixed position that is provided by the pinbeing seated on the stop-surfaceof the slot.

2 4 FIGS.- 1 FIG. 4 FIG. 4 FIG. 26 22 24 10 48 36 68 52 48 60 60 26 46 36 70 50 Looking first at, the panelis shown in its retracted position that corresponds to the wheels,of the vehicleshown innot having tire-traction devices installed thereon (or that corresponds to another structural configuration suitable for a smaller degree of clearance). In this configuration, the pinattached to the memberabuts against a stop-surfacelocated at an end of the slot, as shown in. The pinis biased into this position by the biasing member. The biasing membercan be configured to remain under some tension in this position to help hold the panelin this retracted position. In addition, in this configuration, the pinattached to the memberabuts against a stop-surfacelocated at an end of the slot, as shown in.

5 6 FIGS.and 2 4 FIGS.- 8 FIG. 1 FIG. 1 FIG. 1 FIG. 6 FIG. 4 FIG. 26 26 26 72 74 26 72 42 12 74 42 12 37 26 12 72 12 74 26 42 12 60 48 52 68 60 46 50 56 48 52 46 50 36 40 Looking at, the transition from the retracted position of the panelshown into the extended position shown inis depicted. In order to transition the panelto its extended position, the panelcan be manually engaged at an edge(e.g., a top edge) thereof and/or at an edge(e.g., a bottom edge) thereof. The panelcan then be pivoted such that the top edgeshifts towards the connection mountand by association towards the frame, shown in, and the bottom edgeshifts away from the connection mountand by association away from the frame, shown in. To state it differently, the movable couplingallows the panelto be rotatably adjusted into an angled position relative to the framesuch that the top edgeis closer to the framethan the bottom edge. The panelcan then be shifted outward, e.g., away from, the connection mountand by association the frameshown in. This shifting results in extension of the biasing memberas shown in. Further, the pinin the slotmoves from the stop-surfaceas shown inwhich results in extension of the biasing member. The pinalso moves within the slottoward the curved and/or arcuate portion. The pintraveling in the slotand the pintraveling in the slotresults in a rotating and sliding motion of memberrelative to the member.

7 8 FIGS.and 1 FIG. 7 8 FIGS.and 1 FIG. 1 FIG. 7 FIG. 4 FIG. 26 26 26 12 12 22 24 26 46 56 50 58 50 46 26 48 52 76 52 60 26 60 46 58 26 Looking now at, the panelis shown in its extended position, e.g., the deployed position that can provide additional clearance from a wheel with a tire-traction device installed thereon (or additional clearance from another vehicle structure). In the context of, the position of the panelshown inresults in the panelbeing displaced laterally-outward from the frameshown in, e.g., in a direction substantially perpendicular to the lengthwise direction of the frameidentified in connection with. This extended position allows a traction device to be installed around either or both of the wheels,and/or allows the traction device to operate (e.g., rotate with the wheel) with reduced interference between the traction device and the panel. In addition, in this extended position, the pinhas moved through the curved and/or arcuate portionof the slotand is abutted against the stop-surfaceof the slot. This position of the pinresults in the panelbeing reversibly secured or fixed in the extended position. The pinis also shifted within the slotto a position towards the outward endof the slot.also depicts the biasing memberin an extended position, or rather, being extended further compared to the retracted position of the panelas shown in. The force imparted by the biasing memberhelps bias the pinagainst the stop-surfacethus helping to hold or fix the panelin its extended position.

8 FIG. 8 FIG. 8 FIG. 8 FIG. 4 FIG. 58 70 50 55 58 70 58 70 55 58 70 50 60 46 58 46 50 46 70 46 50 58 70 26 46 58 70 26 60 46 50 Looking at, it can be seen that the stop-surfaces,located at opposite ends of the slotare oriented to face generally in a same direction (e.g., directionidentified in). To state it differently, the stop-surfaces,are oriented so that a concave portion of each stop-surface,faces generally in the same direction (e.g., directionidentified in). This orientation of the stop-surfaces,on the slotallows the biasing memberto bias the pinagainst either the stop-surface(if the pinis shifted to one end of the slotas shown in) or bias the pinagainst the stop-surface(if the pinis shifted to the other end of the slotas shown in). Having the stop-surfaces,aligned in this fashion means that the panelcan be reversibly held, fixed, or locked in different positions based on the pinbeing biased into contact with either the stop-surfaceor the stop-surface. It also allows the panelto be re-positioned by simply shifting the components against the force of the biasing memberto translate the pinto the other end of the slot.

34 37 26 26 34 26 26 The configuration of the mounting bracketand the movable couplingallows for a substantially self-contained mechanical adjustment of the panel. In other words, shifting and reversibly locking the panelinto the extended position can be performed with reduced or substantially no need for additional locking pins, bolts, or devices using the depicted configuration of the mounting bracket. This can increase the efficiency and speed of adjusting the panelinto different positions, and reduce the incidence of inoperability due to missing parts required for securing the panelin a particular position, among other benefits.

26 26 72 74 46 58 46 56 50 60 48 26 12 26 46 50 58 3 4 FIGS.and In order to shift the panelfrom the extended position back to the retracted position, the process described above can be reversed. For example, the panelcan again be engaged at its edgesand/or, rotated, and pulled slightly outward to unseat the pinfrom the stop-surface. The pincan then be translated back through the curved and/or arcuate portionof the slot, and the biasing memberexerts a force on the pinthat pulls the paneltowards the frameand back to its retracted position, e.g., as shown in. The panelgenerally reaches its retracted position when the pinreaches the other end of the slotopposite to the stop-surface.

9 FIG. 40 50 52 46 48 36 36 40 26 shows the memberin isolation depicting the configuration of the slotand the slotin which the corresponding pins,of the membercan slide to different positions to allow for adjustment of the memberrelative to the memberto thereby allow for adjustment of the panelinto different positions.

10 17 FIGS.- 1 FIG. 1 FIG. 28 78 28 12 78 80 28 82 84 12 86 84 86 12 86 12 Looking now at, the panelofis shown, and a mounting bracketthat attaches the panelto the frameinis also shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The mounting bracketincludes a memberattached to the panel, e.g., in this instance using fasteners, and a memberthat attaches to the framethrough a connection mount. In embodiments, the memberand/or connection mountmay couple to the framedirectly, or indirectly, e.g., through additional interposed components and/or structures. The connection mountcan be attached to the framein different ways, e.g., using fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, rivets, or other types of fasteners), welding, interlocking structures, and/or using other types of mechanical attachments.

12 14 16 FIGS.,, and 2 9 FIGS.- 10 17 FIGS.- 2 9 FIGS.- 2 9 FIGS.- 78 75 80 84 75 80 84 37 75 80 84 78 34 26 80 84 36 40 78 80 28 84 86 12 88 90 84 80 92 94 Looking at, the mounting bracketincludes a movable couplingthat connects the memberand the member. The movable couplingallows the members,to shift into different positions relative to each other (similar to the movable couplingdescribed in connection with). In the depicted embodiment, the movable couplingis configured so that the memberand the memberare slidable and rotatable relative to each other. The mounting bracketshown inis thus similar to the mounting bracketdescribed in connection with the panelshown in, except that the members,generally corresponding to the members,shown inhave the slots and the pins reversed. More specifically, with the mounting bracket, the membermounted to the panelhas the slots and the memberattached to connection mountthat couples to the framehas the pins. In particular, there is a pinand a pincoupled to the member. The memberhas a slotformed therein and a slotformed therein.

88 92 90 94 92 96 98 100 98 96 92 96 100 88 92 88 90 92 94 80 84 28 80 84 88 90 92 94 28 80 84 80 84 28 12 FIG. 12 FIG. The pinis slidably positioned in the slotand the pinis slidably positioned in the slot. The slothas a substantially linear portion, a curved and/or arcuate portion, and a stop-surfacelocated at an end of the curved and/or arcuate portion. It can be seen fromthat starting from the linear portion, the slotinitially inclines and then turns at least partially back towards the linear portionproximate to the stop-surfaceas shown in(this shape enables reversibly fixing/locking the pinat either end of the slotas explained below). The movement of the pins,along their corresponding slots,allows the members,to change position relative to each other, and also allows the panelto be shifted linearly and rotationally between a retracted position/configuration and an extended position/configuration. This configuration also allows the components to be shifted while the members,remain movably connected. To state it differently, the configuration of the pins,and the slots,allows the panelto be shifted without de-coupling, disassembling, and/or detaching the members,from each other, e.g., through tool-based manipulation. In other words, the components can be shifted without requiring that tools be used to unfasten or unfix the members,from each other in order to render them movable. The adjustment can thus be completed in a tool-less fashion. This helps reduce the time, complexity, and tooling required to complete an adjustment of the paneland can be especially beneficial in circumstances where tools and the components themselves are not easily accessible, e.g., at a roadside.

94 90 94 90 94 80 84 88 92 90 94 80 84 28 12 FIG. The slotshown most clearly inis generally linear in shape. The pinis slidably received in the slotsuch that it can slide therein. The pincan also rotate within the slotto allow rotation of the memberwith respect to the member. The cooperation of the pinwith the slotand the cooperation of the pinwith the slotallows for the slidable and rotational movement of the memberwith respect to the memberthat also allows for adjusting the position of the panelbetween the retracted position (e.g., associated with no tire-traction device being installed on an adjacent wheel where less clearance is suitable) and an extended position (e.g., associated with a tire-traction device being installed on an adjacent wheel where greater clearance is suitable to help limit or inhibit interference between the structures).

78 102 78 102 28 86 12 10 28 86 102 102 102 84 104 106 102 108 80 102 28 102 108 80 102 28 28 1 FIG. 14 FIG. 14 FIG. 11 FIG. 16 FIG. The mounting bracketalso includes a biasing memberintegrated with the mounting bracket. The biasing memberhelps bias the paneltowards the connection mountand by association the frameof the vehicleshown in. In the depicted configuration, the panelis biased towards the retracted position, e.g., closer to the connection mount, by the biasing member. The biasing membercan be any of the biasing members described herein, e.g., a spring, e.g., such as a leaf spring or a coil spring, or another biasing structure. The biasing memberis coupled to the memberat a locationand at a location. The biasing memberis deformable in the downward direction (e.g., relative to) and as it does so can exert an upward biasing force on an engaging surfaceof the memberas shown in. The biasing memberhelps retain the panelin its retracted position and also helps reversibly lock or secure the panel in its extended position. In addition, the biasing membermay be positioned to continuously impart an upward biasing force on the surfaceof the member. Specifically, the biasing membermay be under a certain amount of tension when the panelis in its retracted position as shown inand may be in a greater amount of tension when the panelis in its extended position as shown in.

28 28 28 12 10 28 88 100 92 10 17 FIGS.- 10 12 FIGS.- 13 14 FIGS.and 13 14 FIGS.and 1 FIG. 15 16 FIGS.and The operation of the paneland the movement thereof between the retracted position (e.g., that may be used when no traction device is installed on an adjacent wheel) and the extended position (e.g., that may be used when a traction device is installed on an adjacent wheel) will be described with reference to.depict the panelin its retracted position.depict the panel during its deployment from the retracted position to the extended position. In particular,depict how the panelcan be pulled outward from the frameof the vehicleshown inand rotated to facilitate lateral displacement.depict the panelin its extended and reversibly locked or fixed position, such that the pinis seated on the stop-surfaceof the slot.

10 12 FIGS.- 12 FIG. 12 FIG. 12 FIG. 28 22 24 90 84 110 94 102 90 102 108 80 28 88 84 112 92 Looking at, the panelis shown in its retracted position that corresponds to the wheels,not having a traction device positioned thereon. In this position, the pinof the memberabuts against a stop-surfacein the slotas shown in. The biasing memberhelps hold the pinin this position. In particular, the biasing memberexerts an upward force on the surfaceof the memberto help hold the panelin this retracted position as shown in. The pinof the memberalso abuts against a stop surfacein the slotin the retracted position as shown in.

13 14 FIGS.and 1 FIG. 1 FIG. 1 FIG. 14 FIG. 13 14 FIGS.and 28 28 28 114 116 28 114 86 12 10 116 86 12 10 28 86 12 10 102 90 94 110 28 102 88 92 98 90 94 88 92 80 84 Looking at, the transition of the panelfrom the retracted position (e.g., the normal operating position) to the extended position (e.g., the deployed position) is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In order to transition the panelto its extended position, the panelcan be engaged at an edge(e.g., a top edge) and at an edge(e.g., a bottom edge). The panelcan then be pivoted such that the edgemoves towards the connection mountand by association the frameof the vehicleshown inand the edgemoves away from the connection mountand by association the frameof the vehicleshown in. The panelcan then be shifted outward away from the connection mountand by association the frameof the vehicleshown in. This shifting results in further deflection of the biasing memberas shown in. In addition, the pinin the slotshifts from the stop-surfacewhich, through rotation of the panel, results in the deflection of the biasing member. The pinalso moves within the slottowards engagement with the curved and/or arcuate portion. The translation of the pinalong the slotand the translation of the pinalong the slotresults in a rotating and sliding motion of memberwith respect to memberas shown in.

15 16 FIGS.and 1 FIG. 1 FIG. 28 86 12 10 26 28 12 26 28 26 28 12 22 24 12 26 28 22 24 26 28 22 24 22 24 22 24 22 24 Looking at, the panelis shown in the extended position, e.g., being extended outward from the connection mountand by association the frameof the vehicleshown in, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the extended position, the panels,may each be extended laterally (e.g., displaced along a direction substantially perpendicular to the lengthwise direction defined in connection with) from the frame. In different embodiments, the panels,can be configured to displace laterally anywhere from 1-30 centimeters. In certain instances, at least a portion of the panels,may extend outward laterally from the framea distance that is greater than a distance the wheels,extend outward laterally from the frame. This relative positioning of the panels,can facilitate clearance for a traction device installed on the wheeland/or wheel. In one non-limiting embodiment, this differential can be anywhere from 1-20 centimeters. In the retracted position, the panels,can extend outward laterally approximately an equal distance as the wheels,, a greater distance than the wheels,(but less than the extended position), or a shorter distance than the wheels,such that the wheels,extend further outward laterally, in accordance with different embodiments.

28 88 98 92 100 92 28 90 94 118 94 102 108 80 28 102 88 100 28 15 16 FIGS.and 16 FIG. In the extended position of the panel, e.g., as shown in, the pinhas moved through the curved and/or arcuate portionof the slotand is abutted against the stop-surfaceof the slot. This abutting results in the panelbeing reversibly secured, fixed, or held in the extended position as shown in. In this instance, the pinhas also moved within the slotto a position towards an endof the slot. The biasing memberis also exerting an upward force on the surfaceof the memberto help hold the panelin the extended position. The force from the biasing memberhelps hold the pinagainst the stop-surfacethereby helping to reversibly secure, fix, or hold the panelin its extended position.

12 16 FIGS.and 16 FIG. 4 8 FIGS.and 75 100 112 92 85 37 100 112 88 100 92 112 92 28 Looking at, the movable couplingis configured so that the stop-surfaces,on the slotare oriented to face generally in the same direction (e.g., as indicated by arrowin). This is similar to the configuration of the movable couplingshown inbut generally reversed in direction. This alignment of the stop-surfaces,helps facilitate reversibly holding, fixing, or locking the pinagainst the stop-surfaceat one end of the slotor against the stop-surfaceat the other end of the slot, and thus by association, helps facilitate reversibly holding, fixing, or locking the panelin different positions (e.g., extended or retracted) as described herein.

78 78 28 28 26 The configuration of the mounting bracketallows for a substantially self-contained mechanical adjustment of the mounting bracket. In other words, shifting and reversibly locking the panelinto the extended position can be performed with reduced or substantially no need for additional locking pins, bolts, or devices using the depicted configuration. This can increase the efficiency and speed of adjusting the panelinto different positions, and reduce the incidence of inoperability due to missing parts required for securing the panelin a particular position, among other benefits.

28 28 114 116 88 100 88 98 92 102 108 80 26 12 28 88 92 100 11 12 FIGS.and In order to shift the panelfrom the extended position back to the retracted position, the process described above can be reversed. For example, the panelcan again be engaged at its edgeand/or edge, pivoted, and then pulled slightly outward to unseat the pinfrom the stop-surface. The pincan then be translated back through the curved and/or arcuate portionof the slot, and eventually the biasing memberexerts a force on the surfaceof the memberthat helps pull the paneltowards the frameand back to its retracted position, e.g., as shown in. The panelgenerally reaches its retracted position when the pinreaches the other end of the slotopposite to the stop-surface.

In some embodiments, a mounting bracket or mounting structure may shift or translate substantially linearly in order to displace a panel, e.g., laterally between a retracted position and an extended position as discussed herein. For example, a mounting bracket or structure can have a track-supported sliding structure and/or can have telescoping components that allow an attached panel to displace linearly, e.g., laterally relative to a frame. In addition, locking features can be used to support or fix the panel in certain displaced positions. For example, one or more bolts can be extended through alignable apertures in a track-supported or telescoping mounting bracket to help fix or hold the panel in a certain position.

17 FIG. 80 92 94 88 90 84 80 84 28 shows the memberin isolation depicting the configuration of the slotand the slotin which the corresponding pins,of the membercan slide to different positions to allow for adjustment of the memberrelative to the memberto thereby allow for adjustment of the panelinto different positions.

19 FIG. 2 FIG. 2 FIG. 11 FIG. 1 FIG. 1 FIG. 1900 1900 1902 1908 1902 1900 26 28 1904 1900 34 78 1906 1900 1908 1900 12 10 22 24 Looking at, a block diagram of a methodof manufacturing an aerodynamic assembly for a vehicle is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The methodincludes blocks-, but is not limited to this selection of elements. In block, the methodincludes forming a panel, e.g., such as the panelorshown in. In block, the methodincludes forming a mounting bracket, e.g., such as the bracketshown inor the mounting bracketshown in. In block, the methodincludes attaching the panel to the mounting bracket such that the panel is adjustable between at least a first position and a second position. In block, the methodincludes attaching the mounting bracket to a frame of a vehicle, e.g., the frameof the vehicleshown in, adjacent one or more wheels, e.g., the wheels,shown in, of the vehicle. The mounting bracket can attach the panel to the frame such that the panel is adjustable between a retracted position, closer to the frame, and an extended position, e.g., further from the frame to increase clearance for a traction device installed on one or more adjacent wheels of the vehicle, or to increase clearance for another structure or to provide additional room for access, cleaning, repair, maintenance, or other adjustment, modification, or reconfiguration.

20 FIG. 1 FIG. 1 FIG. 1 FIG. 2 11 FIGS.and 2000 10 2000 2002 2004 2002 2000 12 10 2004 2000 26 28 34 78 Looking now at, a methodof integrating an adjustable aerodynamic panel into a vehicle, e.g., such as the vehicleshown in, is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The methodincludes blocks-, but is not limited to this selection of elements. In block, the methodincludes de-coupling a first aerodynamic panel from a frame of a vehicle, e.g., such as the frameof the vehicleshown in. In block, the methodincludes coupling a second aerodynamic panel, e.g., such as the panelorshown in, to the frame of the vehicle in place of the first aerodynamic panel, e.g., using a mounting bracket. For example, the panel can be coupled to the frame with a mounting bracket, e.g., such as the mounting bracketorshown in, to allow the panel to have adjustability relative to the frame, e.g., between an extended position and a retracted position. The method can further include adjusting the panel to increase or decrease clearance from other vehicle structures, e.g., wheels (e.g., with traction devices), fuel tanks, batteries, and/or other components and assemblies.

The panels, brackets, and other structures of the assemblies described herein can be formed of different materials. These materials can include without limitation metals, metal alloys, polymers, polymer composites, and/or natural materials, or any combination of the same.

The panels, brackets, and other structures of the assemblies described herein can be manufactured using different processes. These processes can include without limitation casting, e.g., metal casting or polymer casting, and/or machining, e.g., electrical-discharge machining (“EDM”), rolling, extruding, and/or stamping, among other methods.

The panels, brackets, and other structures of the assemblies described herein can be assembled using different methods, e.g., through attachment with fasteners, and/or through attachment with welding, bonding, and/or adhesives, and/or through other attachments methods that establish a desired relationship between components (e.g., substantially fixed in relation to each other or substantially movable in relation to each other).

The aspects and embodiments described herein can be manufactured, integrated, and/or utilized in connection with different types of vehicles. For example, while the figures herein depict embodiments in the context of one or more types of vehicles (e.g., freight trucks), the aspects and embodiments described herein can be used in connection with other sizes, classes, and types of vehicles (e.g., passenger vehicles, light-duty trucks, medium-duty trucks, heavy-duty trucks, buses, trams, carts, industrial vehicles, trains, aircraft, or other types of vehicles and equipment). Furthermore, the aspects and embodiments described herein can be used with internal combustion engine (“ICE”) vehicles, electric vehicles (“EV”), battery electric vehicles (“BEV”), hybrid electric vehicles (“HEV”), plug-in-hybrid electric vehicles (“PHEV”), and fuel-cell electric vehicles (“FCEV”), among others.

Clause 1. An adjustable fairing assembly for a vehicle comprising an aerodynamic panel; and a mounting bracket for attaching the aerodynamic panel to the vehicle, the mounting bracket comprising: a first member that attaches to the aerodynamic panel, a second member that attaches to the vehicle, and a movable coupling that allows the first member and the second member to shift between a retracted position and an extended position while the first member and the second member remain movably connected to each other.

Clause 2. The adjustable fairing assembly of clause 1, wherein the movable coupling comprises a first pin and a first slot, and wherein the first pin is slidably positioned in the first slot.

Clause 3. The adjustable fairing assembly of clause 1 or 2, wherein the first slot comprises a linear portion with a first stop-surface for the first pin and an arcuate portion with a second stop-surface for the first pin, and wherein the first stop-surface and the second stop-surface are located at opposite ends of the first slot.

Clause 4. The adjustable fairing assembly of any of clauses 1-3, wherein the first stop-surface and the second stop-surface each face in a first direction.

Clause 5. The adjustable fairing assembly of any of clauses 1-4, further comprising a biasing member coupled to the mounting bracket, wherein the biasing member biases the first member and the second member towards the retracted position.

Clause 6. The adjustable fairing assembly of any of clauses 1-5, wherein the biasing member is a spring.

Clause 7. The adjustable fairing assembly of any of clauses 1-6, wherein the movable coupling further comprises: a second slot, and a second pin, wherein the second pin is slidably positioned in the second slot.

Clause 8. The adjustable fairing assembly of any of clauses 1-7, wherein the movable coupling further comprises: a second slot, and a second pin, wherein the second pin is slidably positioned in the second slot.

Clause 9. The adjustable fairing assembly of any of clauses 1-8, wherein the first slot and the second slot are formed in the first member, and wherein the first pin and the second pin are coupled to the second member.

Clause 10. The adjustable fairing assembly of any of clauses 1-9, wherein the first slot and the second slot are formed in the second member, and wherein the first pin and the second pin are coupled to the first member.

Clause 11. An adjustable fairing assembly for a vehicle comprising: an aerodynamic panel; and a mounting bracket for attaching the aerodynamic panel to the vehicle, the mounting bracket comprising a movable coupling that allows the aerodynamic panel to slidably and rotatably shift between a retracted position and an extended position.

Clause 12. The adjustable fairing assembly of clause 11, wherein the movable coupling comprises a pin and a slot, wherein the slot comprises an arcuate shape, and wherein the pin is slidably positioned in the slot.

Clause 13. The adjustable fairing assembly of clause 11 or 12, wherein the slot comprises a first stop-surface for the pin and a second stop-surface for the pin, the first stop-surface and the second stop-surface located at opposite ends of the slot, and wherein the first stop-surface and the second stop-surface each face in a first direction.

Clause 14. The adjustable fairing assembly of any of clauses 11-13, further comprising a biasing member coupled to the mounting bracket, wherein the biasing member biases the pin against the first stop-surface in the retracted position and against the second stop-surface in the extended position.

Clause 15. The adjustable fairing assembly of any of clauses 11-14, wherein the mounting bracket comprises a first member that couples to the aerodynamic panel and a second member that couples to a chassis rail of the vehicle, and wherein the first member and the second member are connected by the movable coupling.

Clause 16. The adjustable fairing assembly of any of clauses 11-15, wherein the movable coupling comprises a pin and a slot, wherein the pin is coupled to the first member, and wherein the slot is formed in the second member.

Clause 17. The adjustable fairing assembly of any of clauses 11-16, wherein the movable coupling comprises a pin and a slot, wherein the pin is coupled to the second member, and wherein the slot is formed in the first member.

Clause 18. A vehicle comprising: a chassis; and an adjustable fairing assembly, comprising: an aerodynamic panel, and a mounting bracket that attaches the aerodynamic panel to part of the chassis, the mounting bracket comprising: a first member coupled to the aerodynamic panel, a second member coupled to the part of the chassis, and a movable coupling that allows the first member and the second member to shift between a retracted position and an extended position while the first member and the second member remain movably connected to each other.

Clause 19. The vehicle of clause 18, wherein the movable coupling comprises a pin and a slot, wherein the pin is slidably positioned in the slot, such that the pin can shift between a first stop-surface in the slot associated with the retracted position and a second stop-surface in the slot associated with the extended position.

Clause 20. The vehicle of clause 18 or 19, wherein the slot comprises a linear portion and a curved portion, wherein the curved portion is shaped such that it curves at least partially back towards the linear portion.

Clause 21. The vehicle of any of clauses 18-20, wherein the adjustable fairing assembly comprises one of a plurality of adjustable fairing assemblies attached along opposite lateral sides of the chassis.

Clause 22. The vehicle of any of clauses 18-21, wherein the adjustable fairing assembly comprises one of a plurality of adjustable fairing assemblies attached along opposite lateral sides of the chassis.

Clause 23. An adjustable fairing assembly for a vehicle comprising: an aerodynamic panel; and a mounting bracket for movably coupling the aerodynamic panel to a chassis rail of the vehicle, the mounting bracket comprising: a movable coupling that enables the aerodynamic panel to be slidingly and rotatably shifted between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration without disassembling and reassembling any portion of the adjustable fairing assembly.

Clause 24. The adjustable fairing assembly of clause 23, wherein the extended position is a position for which chains coupled to one or more tires proximal to the adjustable fairing assembly do not contact any portion of the adjustable fairing assembly while the tire(s) are stationary or rotating.

Clause 25. The adjustable fairing assembly of clause 23 or 24, wherein the mounting bracket further comprises a first member that couples to the aerodynamic panel; and a second member that couples to a chassis rail of the vehicle.

Clause 26. The adjustable fairing assembly of any of clauses 23-25, further comprising a biasing member which biases the adjustable fairing assembly towards the retracted position.

Clause 27. The adjustable fairing assembly of any of clauses 23-26, wherein the biasing member comprises a spring.

Clause 28. The adjustable fairing assembly of any of clauses 23-27, wherein the aerodynamic panel is substantially perpendicular to the chassis rail in both the retracted configuration and the extended configuration; and wherein the aerodynamic panel adopts an angled position with respect to the chassis rail during a movement configuration when going from the retracted position to the extended position, and vice versa.

Clause 29. A method of manufacturing and/or assembling an aerodynamic assembly according to any of clauses 1-28.

Clause 30. A method of integrating an aerodynamic assembly according to any of clauses 1-28 into a vehicle.

Clause 31. The preceding clauses 1-30 in any combination.

In some embodiments, this disclosure may include the language, for example, “at least one of [element A] and [element B].” This language may refer to one or more of the elements. For example, “at least one of A and B” may refer to “A,” “B,” or “A and B.” In other words, “at least one of A and B” may refer to “at least one of A and at least one of B,” or “at least either of A or B.” In some embodiments, this disclosure may include the language, for example, “[element A], [element B], and/or [element C].” This language may refer to either of the elements or any combination thereof. In other words, “A, B, and/or C” may refer to “A,” “B,” “C,” “A and B,” “A and C,” “B and C,” or “A, B, and C.” In addition, this disclosure may use the term “and/or” which may refer to any one or combination of the associated elements. In addition, this disclosure may use the term “a” (element) or “the” (element). This language may refer to the referenced element in the singular or in the plural and is not intended to be limiting in this respect.

The subject matter of this disclosure has been described in relation to particular embodiments, which are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive. In this sense, alternative embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present subject matter pertains without departing from the scope hereof. In addition, different combinations and sub-combinations of elements disclosed, as well as use and inclusion of elements not shown, are possible and contemplated as well.